Cape Verde and beyond

By the time you read this, your Christmas plans will be coming together and you’ll be running frantically around the shops finding the last of the stocking fillers for your little treasures. If you are planning to stay in the UK this Christmas break, I am convinced you will be seeking some blue skies and warmer weather for early next year. Where to go that doesn’t involve long flights yet can guarantee good weather? I have picked a couple of destinations which are less than 6 hours away.

Hotting up as a must visit destination, the ten Cape Verde islands lie in the Atlantic Ocean off the west coast of Africa. The islands previously attracted the Italian and Portuguese holidaymakers, but courtesy of a new direct flight, the UK is now discovering the secret of Cape Verde. The islands guarantee a unique holiday experience. Pure white sandy beaches with fertile green interiors, contrast perfectly with more barren landscapes and fishing villages. The islands reflect a blend of African, Brazilian and Portuguese cultures. They enjoy year round sunshine and temperatures in the mid to high twenties. The cooling breezes from the Atlantic keep the humidity levels low.

The pace of life is relaxed so service in the restaurants and bars can be slow, but you will find people everywhere friendly and welcoming. In main towns you will find a good selection of restaurants offering different choices of cuisine including local Creole and Portuguese specialities. Eating out is very reasonable. For a three course meal, expect to pay between £10 and £15 each including wine.

The islands are surrounded by reefs, which overA the centuries have laid claim to the floundering of many ships. They are therefore a diver’s paradise; possibilities for exploring wrecks, rich with tropical underwater flora and a massive array of fish, dolphins and turtles. Other activities include horseriding, walking and watersports. The mountains offer some serious challenges for those with previous mountain climbing experience.   

Unlike other countries in west Africa, there is no need to take malaria tablets in Cape Verde. All British Nationals require a visa to enter Cape Verde and this is issued on arrival. Go soon before mass tourism makes its mark!

Santa Maria beach,Cape Verde

Boavista beach,Cape Verde 

My other suggestion is Guia de Isora  – a resort in Tenerife. Most Spaniards even from the mainland will not yet be able to pinpoint where this is located. It is on Tenerife’s west coast tucked away from the large resorts. The hotel resort of Abama is an amazing new hotel built in Moorish style. To develop such a magnificent estate the owners engaged the services of the world-renowned architect Melvin Villaroel and former Ryder Cup player Dave Thomas.  The hotel boasts 8 pools including a children’s pool, a children’s club, an 18 hole golf course, a wellness spa centre and no less than 10 restaurants.  Only 35 minutes from Tenerife’s Sofia airport, it’s spectacular cliff top location will be like staying close to paradise.
   
So don’t let yourself become a victim of any seasonal affective disorder – take a morning flight and be on the beach or relaxing around a pool feeling the warm sunshine on your back by the late afternoon without any jet lag this winter.

Karen Simmonds